Oregon DOJ opens investigation on Hannah the Pet Society

Oregon's Department of Justice is now investigating Hannah the Pet Society after reports the company euthanized three dogs rather than return them to their partner rescue agency.

Hannah leases dogs and cats to members who pay a monthly fee for their animals, while Hannah pays for food and vet care for the pet's lifetime.

Since the company technically owns the pet, they make all decisions about the pet's medical care.

Hannah is coming under fire after the blog Seattle Dogspot reported that three dogs named Pip, Charlie Bear and Kelso were euthanized for being too aggressive.

Hannah got two of those dogs from the Columbia Humane Society in St. Helens.

After learning of the deaths, the Columbia Humane Society canceled their partnership with Hannah, saying the company violated an agreement that states, "If a pet is returned by a Hannah member for any reason, it will be returned to the original Hannah partner shelter."

When asked about what happened to the dogs, Hannah sent a written statement from CEO Fred Wich.

It reads, in part:

"Our goal regarding euthanasia is 0 percent, and because we have world-class veterinary and behavioral expertise, we have the ability, and the conviction, to come closer to that goal than virtually any other animal welfare or other organization. Having said that, the unfortunate reality is that there are pets that can present a danger either to other pets or to people and that we, despite our best efforts, cannot change or fix. In those rare circumstances it is irresponsible to place the pet in the general population.”

Wednesday afternoon the state DOJ confirmed they're investigating Hannah, but wouldn't confirm the nature of the investigation.

A Hannah spokeswoman said the organization has not been informed about the investigation, and added that while Hannah has faced allegations “without basis” multiple times in the past, the company has always responded and never faced charges.